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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



A LITTLE BOOK OF 
FAMILY VERSE 



BY 



Af B. 



PRIVATELY PRINTED 
1906 



UB8ARY of CONGRESS 

Two Conies Received 

AUG 18 »906 

Copyright tntry 



Copyright, 1906, by 
William Adams Brown 



THE DE VINNE PRESS 



TO BRIGHTHURST 

WHERE MANY OF THESE LITTLE SONGS WERE BORN; 

TO BRIGHTHURST'S INMATES, PAST AND PRESENT, 

WHO WERE AT THEIR CHRISTENING, 

AND TO 

BRIGHTHURST'S MISTRESS, 

TO WHOM THEY OWE THEIR PERMANENT HOME, 

THIS LITTLE VOLUME 

IS DEDICATED 
IN LOVING MEMORY 



BRIGHTHURST! guardian of our early ways ! 
Under whose fostering care these verses grew, 
Receive this nosegay, gathered 'neath thy blue, 
Bright with thy dewdrops, shining with thy rays. 
Read here the story of forgotten days, 
In love retold that maketh all things new. 
Grudge not old jests the laughter once they drew* 
Hear yet again with tears griefs sadder lays. 
Thine are the gifts I bring. Thy children rare 
Have sown the seed from which these songs have come, 
Upon the soil thy mistress did prepare, 
Rich with the fertile moisture of a home. 
Sun from thy skies has wooed them to the air, 
To claim at last thy welcome, Brighthurst dear. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

i 

FAMILY VERSES 

PAGE 

To the Memory of William Adams 3 

Family Anniversaries. 

1. Christmas, 1885 4 

2. November 9, 1887 7 

3. The Silver Wedding 13 

4. The Fortieth Anniversary 16 

In Memoriam. Martha and William Adams 19 

Possession 21 

Providence 22 

The City Church 25 

The Country Church 26 

Childhood's Friends. 

1. Michael 27 

2. Donkey Jack 2S 

3. Pony Fly 29 

4. Nursey 30 

To J. C. B 31 

The Origin of Music. Lines written as an introduction to 

" Musical Instruments and Their Homes " 32 

ix 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Lines written as the Dedication of a Family Chronicle . . 36 

The Country Home .39 

The City Home 41 

After Looking at a Child's Picture 43 

The Schoolboy 45 

The Imp 47 

Brownie Lodge. 

1. The Brownies 48 

2. The Making of the House 50 

3. Learning to Cook 54 

4. The Gardeners 55 

5. Friends' Day • 57 

6. The Campfire 59 

7. And After , . i 61 

II 

FAMILY NONSENSE 

The Freshman's Alphabet 65 

How We Went to Farmington 67 

The Serenade 72 

The Kiss 73 

To Susy 75 

Exercise vs. Physic 77 

The Tea Party 78 

The Spinet 80 

The Intelligence Office 82 

The Caged Lion 84 

Contemporaries 85 

x 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

An Intimate Question 85 

The Poet 86 

To J. M. Barrie 86 

Power Through Repose 87 

The Rival Dentists. A Ballad of Civil War 89 

The Ballad op Patrick Ford Magee 92 

III 
MY ROSE AND OTHER VERSES 

My Rose 101 

To My Love's Picture. Song 102 

A Face in the Street 104 

To My Love, with the dead body of a little poem .... 105 

Love's Calendar. Song 106 

"A Little Knot of Blue" 110 

A Question Ill 

Communion 114 

AmorInvictus 115 

Sympathy 116 

With a Florentine Picture 120 

With the Gift of a Portrait 122 

With a Gift of Roses 124 

Constancy 125 

In Absence . 126 

Reserve 127 

The Wounds of Love 128 

Attainment ; . . . 129 

Liberty 130 

xi 



CONTENTS 

page 

Resignation 131 

Extenuation 132 

Incompatibility 133 

The Destroyer 134 

The Healer 135 

The Scholar 136 

The Teacher 137 

Greatheart 138 

After Hearing a Symphony of Beethoven 139 

A Summer Afternoon on Sargent 140 

The Founders 141 

Resurrection 143 

Individuality 146 

A Parent's Prayer 150 

A Thanksgiving Hymn , 151 

A Prayer for God's Presence 153 

A Prayer for Peace 154 

Evensong 155 



xn 



FAMILY VERSES 



TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM ADAMS 

AFTER RE-READING THE INTRODUCTION TO AN OLD COMMONPLACE BOOK, 
GIVEN THE WRITER WHEN A BOY 

Spirit benign, that o'er the faded page 

Unseen dost bend, with look intent to prove 
What the child comrade of thine early love 

Has gleaned of harvest on life's pilgrimage ! 

Some store I fain would bring of wisdom sage 
To fill the empty space,— some treasure trove 
Of insight,— wealth of passion strong to move 

Youth's generous heart, or fan the hopes of age. 

But the lips falter, and the pen is still. 
What of mine own, to thee, O soul apart ! 
Love's confidant, and honor's chosen knight T 
Can I return, of worth to match thy will ? 
Do thou to me the hidden gift impart 
Thy life made eloquent, and I will write. 



FAMILY ANNIVERSARIES 



CHRISTMAS, 1885. 

Twas Christmas eve, and in the silent room 
No flaring light disturbed the grateful gloom, 
Save where, upon the hearth, the embers' bed, 
A ruddy radiance about them shed; 
Nor any sound the solemn silence broke 
Save when some half -burnt log its death-word spoke. 
Yet still I lingered in my easy-chair 
And watched the dying fire's fitful glare,— 
At first, attentive to the forms of flame 
That rose, gleamed bright, then sank to rest again; 
But soon their pictures faded from my sight, 
And in their place came visions of the night. 
For, in my reverie, before me clear 
Passed in review the whole completed year. 
Much that was bright I saw and good and glad; 
Much that was dark, and somewhat that was sad; 

4 



FAMILY VERSES 

Partings, and joyful meetings, work and play, 
Sunshine and shadow, each succeeding day. 
Would that the poet's art were mine, to write 
In fitting form the lessons of the night; 
Would it were mine before you clear to show 
The forms that flickered in the fire's glow, 
And the dear vanished faces of the past, 
Caught for one moment, hold forever fast. 
One face there was that smiled upon me fair 
From out the halo of her silvered hair,— 
One pleasant voice I seemed again to hear 
That never more shall sound on mortal ear. 
O severed tie! O parting's bitter pain! 

loss of her to whom that loss was gain! 
'Twas but a transfer from our earthly love 
To the more perfect sympathy above. 
While thus I pondered, lo! methought I saw 
A shadow resting by an open door — 

No unfamiliar portal, or unknown, 

For, as I looked, behold! it was our own. 

Beloved spot! However far we roam, 

Still to our hearts the dearest place— our home! 

Yet there this dreary shadow fell. Within 

1 saw the band of children gathered in; 

While with the rest one honored form did blend, 
Husband and father, counsellor and friend ; 

5 



FAMILY VERSES 

Wise in reproof, oft to shortcoming blind, 
Patient and tender, loving, true and kind. 
Yet most on him the shadow rested there 
Of disappointed hope, and anxious care; 
Burdens by others laid, for others borne,— 
A load too heavy for a strength outworn. 
E'en as I pondered on this vision drear 
A sudden voice fell gently on my ear ; 
With helpful words my dark foreboding broke, 
And this the cheering message that it spoke : 
"Have faith and patience. Though, so sorely tried, 
Remember that the Lord is still your guide. 
His hand protecteth wheresoe 'er you go, 
And bringeth blessing from the deepest woe. 
Perchance from out this shadow dark may come 
More perfect sympathy and love at home, 
More perfect understanding, and a tie 
Ever more sacred through the bye and bye." 
Thus spake the voice, and all was still again; 
The dying fire strove to leap in vain. 
One last short shower of feeble sparks it shed; 
Then flickered out, and left the ashes dead. 
I started from my chair. The sombre gloom 
Now reigned unchallenged through the silent room, 
Save where, in through the window high was borne 
The first faint glimmer of the Christmas morn. 

6 



FAMILY VERSES 



II 

NOVEMBER 9, 1887. 

On this bright day, so full of solemn meaning 
That strangely links the future and the past, 

We turn aside awhile from wonted duties, 
Forget the throbbing world of cares at last. 

To-day 's a holy day— a day twice holy, 
For blessing past, and for its promise rare. 

Its wondrous memories, in rich succession, 
Rise like sweet incense on the peaceful air. 

Like quiet voices in the evening chanting, 
Whose gentle music falls on listening ears, 

Its notes of promise sound above the hurry 
And hot confusion of the busy years. 

When, in his dusty journeying, the traveler 

Meets by the way a cool and sparkling spring, 
He stops awhile to cool his burning temples, 
Slake his parched throat, and hear the wild- 
birds sing. 

7 



FAMILY VERSES 

So we to-day forsake familiar duties, 

Turn from the paths of care, so often trod. 

To-day we consecrate to sweet communing 
With home, with one another, and with God. 



Who's this that stands, so fresh and sweet and holy, 
'Neath the soft shelter of the nestling lace? 

Mother or daughter this, that shyly greets us, 
While happy blushes wreathe her smiling face? 

From the dark closet's safe protecting cedar 
Soft hands have brought the ancient dress 
to-day, 

Where it has lain unseen, but not forgotten, 
Waiting this happy resurrection day. 

From the dear shoulders, pressed by many a 
burden, 
Tenderly falls the girlish wedding dress, 
While the white veil, the maiden once that 
sheltered, 
Rests with soft grace on each familiar tress. 

Years that have come have brought their weight 
of sorrow, 
Laid their sad loads of grief, of pain, of care. 

8 



FAMILY VERSES 

Mother 's no name for ease and self-enjoyment ; 
Mother means sleepless nights and earnest 
prayer. 

But in the eyes so bright with thankful meaning ; 

In the white brow, to-day so fair we see, 
Still we behold the girl within the woman, 

Young in her hope, her faith, her purity. 

Watch how the children gather round the mother, 
Proud with a pride the father loves to see; 

See the glad sunshine in his eyes who loved her 
Ere that tall son had yet begun to be. 

Grandma has come to join the happy meeting; 

Forgets to-day her fourscore years and four; 
Sees in the woman standing 'mid her children 

The girl her boy brought home in days of yore ; 

Whispers in willing ears wise words of counsel, 
Breathes a soft benediction on the air, 

Rich with a lifetime's weight of holy meaning, 
Dear to the listeners as an angel's prayer. 

What sacred memories the scene awakens 
Of all the three and twenty years now flown; 

What varied visions of the past it raises 
But to two hearts alone can e'er be known. 
9 



FAMILY VERSES 

Each wondrous joy, each holy revelation, 
Each doubt, each fear, each sorrow, and each 
care 

Return as guests uncalled, but not unwelcome, 
To those who've studied in the school of prayer. 

What eager questioning within us rises 
When we consider life's mysterious flame! 

Girl, woman, wife— a single life we cherish, 
More deep, more rich, more full, but still the 
same. 

How strange the progress from the girl's first 
answer, 

Given with downcast head in days gone by, 
To the rich fullness of the finished woman, 

Husband and children standing gladly by! 

God leads us slowly through life's darkened 
pathway, 
Gives strength with weakness, comfort with 
each loss, 
Feeds but with daily bread His hungry children, 
Sends faith with trial, patience with each cross. 

So it has proved in all this happy journey. 
God's guiding hand has led us safely on, 
10 



FAMILY VERSES 

Till, in the goodness of His wise providing, 
We come again unto a marriage morn. 

Where stood the mother once, now stands the 
daughter 

On this first morning of her new, rich life; 
Hoping, yet fearing, doubting still, but trusting, 

Torn in her spirit by a strange, sweet strife. 

In the new country, dear, that now you enter, 
What wisest counsel shall we bid you prize? 

What richest blessing shall we ask the Father? 
What deepest prayer from loving spirits rise? 

May the new union that to-day we witness 
Be rich and full and sacred as the old, 

Perfect in love and faith and understanding, 
In counsel sweet and sympathy untold. 

Wealth, honor, fame, content we leave to others. 

A higher pleasure you have learned to know. 
In the sweet service of the Heavenly Father 

Alone is peace, alike for high and low. 

We do not ask for you an easy pathway, 
A careless life, from doubt and sorrow free. 

God leads His dearest children through the shadow; 
Oft comes His message, " Suffer this for me." 
11 



FAMILY VERSES 

So 'tis our heartfelt prayer on this glad morning 
That in the Father's work you too may share, 

Content, if need, to suffer in His service, 
Making your daily walk a living prayer. 

Carry the Master's message to His children, 
Breathe in the weary ear His words of love, 

And in the blessed ministry of Jesus 

Find for your soul the peace that's from above. 

So shall each care prove but a greater blessing, 
Each sorrow a diviner patience teach, 

Darkness without shed brighter light within you, 
Bind you in closer union, each to each. 

May the great Father's Providence enfold you, 
His Holy Spirit be your friend and guide, 

And Christ, the tender Saviour, walk before you 
In all your way, nor ever leave your side. 

May God's protecting power guard and keep you 
Till earthly life give place to life above, 

Rich faith be swallowed up in richer knowledge 
Within the blessed heaven of perfect love. 



12 



FAMILY VERSES 



III 

THE SILVER WEDDING 

November 9, 1889. 

They tell us thought and language each are part 
Of other. Each needs each. Yet oft there start 
Within the inmost chambers of the heart 
Thoughts that we cannot utter. 

Some times there are when speech a sin I deem, 
When even softest words intruders seem, 
When things of earth and time are but a dream, 
And things unseen most real. 

No word spake Moses when on Pisgah's height 
The long, long past stood clear before his sight, 
And faith's strong eye, piercing the future bright, 
Beheld the two join hands. 

So on this day so full of life and love 
I do not hope the deepest chords to move ; 
Let but my broken lines an echo prove 
Of softer, sweeter music. 
13 



FAMILY VERSES 

Let each to-day with his own soul commune, 
To inner harmonies his ear attune, 
While the past years, like softest breath of June, 
Whisper their silent message. 

Let us remember in our thankful thought 
Each blessing which the kindly years have brought ; 
So shall the gratitude within us wrought 
Become our perfect poem. 

Though marks there be of sorrow and decay, 
Waste no regrets. So has it been alway ; 
God's messengers come oft in suits of gray, 
His choicest blessings bearing. 

No good but has by sacrifice been won ; 
No joy but has in deepest grief begun ; 
No love but in some self-denial done 
Has gained its fullest meaning. 

Then let the years speak comfort to each soul ; 
To-day we reach a rest-place, not the goal ; 
Part have we learned— a part, but not the whole, 
Of the great Master's lesson. 
14 



FAMILY VERSES 

May each with faith new strengthened by the past 
Toward the great future fearless glances cast ; 
The lingering darkness shall be light at last 
In the one perfect morning. 

So shall this day an inspiration prove, 
Lifting each one nearer the thinge above, 
A silver link binding the past of love 
Unto a golden future. 



15 



FAMILY VERSES 



IV 

THE FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY 

November 9, 1904. 

All hail, dear day, that links our fond remembrance 

To years long past ! 
To thee, the long desired, the long expected, 

We come at last. 

Not as we hoped, thou com'st, in gala raiment, 

With smiling face ; 
Grief shades thy brow, and in the eyes that greet us 

Tears leave their trace. 

For one we miss who in our festal meeting 

Held place most dear ; 
So lately sped, so softly stolen from us, 

We deem her here. 

Not lightly then, or with gay jests we meet thee 

In jollity, 
But silent, with the awe and hush upon us 

Of mystery. 
16 



FAMILY VERSES 

Yet, though we speak not, in the thoughts thou stirrest 

Is joy most deep ; 
Where fullest flows the seaward hurrying river 

The eddies sleep. 

Not for the gifts the crowding years have brought us 

Which change may take, 
But for the bonds nor time nor space can sever, 

Our praise we make : 

For love, which sees beneath the altering features— 

Life's vesture fair— 
The deathless soul whose beauty fadeth never 

In God's bright air. 

For faith, which, in the night of blinding sorrow- 
When sight doth cease— 

Feels in the dark the Father's hand sustaining, 
And is at peace ; 

For hope, which, when love fails and faith doth waver- 
Since flesh is weak— 

Hears from the heights the Master's voice triumphant 
New courage speak. 
17 



FAMILY VERSES 

Not then alone for what thy past has brought us, 

Rich though it be, 
But for the promise that the past enf oldeth 

We welcome thee. 

Teach us to live, that on the life that changeth 

From day to day 
There may abide for aye the changeless glory 

Of God's alway. 

So when the partings come, the future holdeth, 

God's will be done ; 
We all, or here in strife, or there victorious, 

Shall still be one. 



18 



FAMILY VERSES 



IN MEMORIAM 

WILLIAM AND MARTHA M. ADAMS. 

A perfect understanding, each of each, 
A perfect sympathy of heart and soul, 
A common purpose and a common Lord,— 
Such were the treasures of their married life. 
And as two streams, whose waters, joined in one, 
Flow on, a single river, toward the sea, 
Bringing new health and beauty where they go, 
Their lives passed on in earthly unity, 
Blessing and blessed,— while life's eventide 
Shed o'er their quiet course a sunset glow. 
Thus throughout all the closing scenes of life — 
Sorrow and joy alike — they lived and loved, 
Till he was summoned home— the trusted friend, 
The honored counsellor— he whom the world 
Had known as father, and whose life had been 
A constant toiling for his fellow men. 

19 



FAMILY VERSES 

But she was left behind on earth— alone ; 
And yet not all alone— for hers was still 
That precious heritage, an honored name 
And faith in God. And so the years rolled by, 
Not spent in morbid brooding or regret, 
But filled with deeds of kindness and of love, 
And rendered bright by never-failing thought 
For those about her. Yet in spite of all 
There was at heart a void that never filled, 
A longing that was never satisfied, 
Till the good Lord in pity looking down 
Upon this sorrowing yet trusting soul 
Sent His swift messenger to dry her tears 
And bid her, too, unto the Father's house. 

O blessed greeting in that heavenly home ! 
O happy pair who nevermore shall part, 
But join at last in perfect unity 
Within the boundless ocean of God's love ! 

Zermatt, August, 1885. 



20 



FAMILY VERSES 

POSSESSION 

S. M. D. 

What have we left? The picture of a face 
That, dying, seemed to sleep ; asleep, to dream 
Of some sweet word that hovered on the lips 
Fresh poised for flight ; cut short ere it was sped. 

What have we left? The knowledge of a soul 
That matched the face ; wherein all sanctities 
Dwelt gently and at ease,— a gracious host, 
Winsome as pure, like springtime's violets. 

What have we left? The witness of a love 
That lives in lives renewed, and, living, speaks 
In tones, so many, tender, clear and strong, 
We marvel at its reach and mastery. 

What have we left? The comfort of a hope 
That looks beyond this span of months and years, 
To that bright day— not distant— when her voice, 
With His she loved, shall bid us welcome home. 

O rich ! who, when the well-loved form is hid, 
And voice is hushed for which we list in vain, 
Still in the spirit rich communion find, 
And lessons learn we had not mastered else. 

Brighthurst, September 25, 1904. 
21 



FAMILY VERSES 



PROVIDENCE 

E. C. B. 

Soft summer skies, with scarce a fleck of cloud, 
Still summer air, in quivering silence mute, 
A quiet cottage, honeysuckle-clad, 
Whose subtle fragrance made the still air sweet: 
In such a frame I saw a picture fair. 
Before the door, an arm-chair, quaint and high, 
Wherein there sat an ancient dame,— her dress 
Of sober black, save where about her neck 
A soft white kerchief nestled ; o'er her head 
Full eighty envious winters must have passed 
Yet left no snow behind ; upon her lap, 
A wealth of summer roses, rich and rare. 

1 Grandma," I said, "for whom these flowers sweet?" 
A soft voice answered, " For the poor and sick 
In yonder toiling city's dust and grime, 
Who never see green fields, and whispering trees, 
But lie on beds of sickness and of pain ; 

22 



FAMILY VERSES 

For whom this hot and glorious August sun 

Means fevered brows, parched lips, and sleepless eyes ; 

To them these roses come as messengers 

From God's fair country." Even as she spoke 

My eye, down glancing, noticed crimson spots 

On one small finger-tip— so thin, it seemed 

Scarce fit to spare a single ruddy drop. 

"Grandma," I asked, "what mean these drops of blood?" 
Then Grandma raised the wounded hand and said, 

" Because the poor to whom these flowers go 
Have thorns enough in their sad, lonely lives 
Without the added pricks of country rose, 
Therefore I strip the thorns from off the stems 
And leave them soft and smooth as babies' cheeks,— 
Safe plaything for the weakest tired hands. 
To-day, you see, one, sharper than the rest, 
Has left its mark." She smiled, and said no more, 
But brushed away the tell-tale drops, and took 
Another sharp-spurred warrior from the pile. 

" Grandma," I said, u Thorns have their uses too. 
Who seeks to strip these roses of their spurs 
Makes war with God. In His great Providence 
Each biting pain has its appointed place, 

23 



FAMILY VERSES 

And roses' thorns teach heedless mortals care." 
A troubled look stole o'er the wrinkled face ; 
The thin lips trembled as at length she said, 
" It may be you are right. Too deep God's plan 
For my weak mind to probe. I try to do 
Each day what seems the kindest. More than this 
Is not my care. I cannot think it wrong 
To spare one sad one such a prick as this." 

And I, with heart astir, went on my way,— 
The quiet figure sat so simply there — 
Musing of rose and thorn: " God uses thorns. 
Ay, sharp and bitter oft His messengers. 
But is this all ? Have patient fingers then 
No work to do? And loving, loyal hearts? 
Shall He who bendeth sorrow to His use 
No service find for sweet self-sacrifice? 
Who knows in what mysterious way wise Love 
That counts the ruddy drops, each gracious deed 
Into His all-enfolding Providence 
Doth gather up, and make a perfect part?" 

Saratoga, May, 1890. 



24 



FAMILY VERSES 

THE CITY CHURCH 

11 He Being Dead, Yet Speaketh. " 

Once, o'er the verdure of the quiet square, 
The tapering spire, in stately solitude, 
Rose in the azure clear. In reverent mood 
Men heard its summons, and from toil and care 
Turned thankful steps towards the house of prayer. 

Now, where it soared, the piles of commerce 

rude 
Beat back the city traffic's swelling flood;— 
Hushed is the voice that once made music there. 

Hushed, did I say, when still, in hearts of men 
His magic touched of old, new temples rise; 
A thousand living pulpits own his sway; 
A thousand voices speak his words again 
To listening thousands, who, 'neath changing 
skies 
The deathless message speed upon its way? 



25 



FAMILY VERSES 



THE COUNTRY CHURCH 

Past the near faces, silent turned to mine, 

Into the dim sweet past I seem to gaze. 

A boy again, as in the olden days, 
I take my place upon the rough-hewn pine 
That serves as bench within the new built shrine. 

Once more I join the first glad hymn of praise. 

My eager look— too brief, alas!— I raise 
To the loved form so soon I must resign. 

Could I to these that wait upon my word 
Make vocal once again the voices old 
That speak to me from out these hallowed 
walls, 
How would their spirits thrill at what they heard, 
And blossom into graces manifold, 

As blooms yon ivy sere when springtime calls! 



26 



CHILDHOOD'S FRIENDS 

I 

MICHAEL 

Not thine the task that Wordsworth's Michael 
knew, 
To watch thy flock where plash of brook foretold 
The virgin grass, or lead them to the fold. 

Fleet horses were thy care, a wilder crew, 

And restless children, often wilder too. 
Oft in the golden days the past doth hold, 
Stormed we thy stable, like the knights of old, 

In the vain hope thy courage to subdue. 

Yet when, upon the box that is thy throne, 
I see thee gently guide up Brighthurst's hill 
These latest from the never-ceasing stream 
Of tired mothers from the city flown, 

And fretful babies now at last grown still, 
A shepherd true our Michael do I deem. 

27 



FAMILY VERSES 
II 

DONKEY JACK 

Friend of our childhood, by the silent grave 
Thy cedars hide, I stand with downcast head, 
To pay my tear of tribute to the dead. 

What thrilling hours of boyish triumph brave, 

Perched crosslegged 'twixt thy paniers did I have, 
While sisters twain, less bold, in lowlier bed, 
Were by thy trusty guidance safely led, 

Where Brighthurst's paths her swards of green do 
pave. 

O best of nurses! still with ears erect 
I see thee wait our eager call of Jack, 

Constant thy wayward charges to protect. 
Shall I again, upon thy patient back, 

Ride through green fields and watch the 
daisies blow 

In the bright heavens where good donkeys go? 



28 



FAMILY VERSES 



III 
PONY FLY 

Shaggy and brown, with swiftly twinkling feet. 
Still dost thou canter through my land of 

dreams, 
As in the days of yore. Again, meseems, 

I sway unsteady on thy back— a seat 

Oft tried, oft lost. Once more, O comrade fleet ! 
Rising whence thou didst cast me, rent in seams, 
My cheeks still traversed by unbidden streams, 

Thy look of sorrowful surprise I meet. 

Not these the thoughts I cherish; but the hours, 
When, safely harnessed to thy pony cart, 
I drove thee up the mountain on the trot. 
Could those lost hours live; and I, through bowers 
Of dogwood's summer snow, with swelling heart, 
Drive yet again, how blissful were my lot! 



29 



FAMILY VERSES 



IV 

NURSEY 

Our second mother! through the silver haze 
The distance lends, again I see thy face, 
Serene and placid, with a sober grace 

Born of an elder time. Not thine the ways 

Of our insistent, restless, hurrying days, 
But gentler; as some ancient patterned lace, 
By loving hands brought from its hiding place, 

To meet our look of wondering amaze. 

Yet, as the lace that once the bride did wear 
Finds a new home upon the daughter's dress, 

That tender love thy mother heart did bear 
Was not content to dwell in loneliness. 

And so it came to pass, thy children grown, 

That thou didst make a second flock thine 
own. 



30 



FAMILY VERSES 



TO J. C. B. 

From out his patriarchal face 

Two twinkling eyes like stars shine out, 
That beam upon our hurrying rout 

With a serene transcendent grace. 

On sorrow's upturned glance they fall 
Soft as the snow and cool and bright, 
And hope rekindles at their light 

And sheds its radiance over all. 

But when some lurking wrong they see 
Their flame remorseless smites. From eyes 
That burn so piercingly, all lies 

Ashamed, all wickedness must flee. 

Now nestling each beneath its lid 
Like tired children wooing sleep, 
They seem like pin points, buried deep 

Save for two gleams of love half hid. 



31 



FAMILY VERSES 



THE ORIGIN OF MUSIC 

LINES WRITTEN AS AN INTRODUCTION TO "MUSICAL INTRUMENTS AND 
THEIR HOMES." 

Stranger or friend, whose careless eye 
Across this sheet may chance to fall, 
A moment linger at my call 

Here on the threshold, ere you fly, 

A word of greeting, if you will,— 

A word of explanation, too, 

Prom one who 's trod the pathway through, 
To one for whom it opens still. 

A catalogue of music here 

Awaits your interested view, 
And if you wonder whence it grew, 

A single word will make it clear. 

Full many a man of learned worth 

Has scanned the records of the past ; 
And sadly oft the question asked, 

When music came upon the earth. 
32 



FAMILY VERSES 

Full many a ponderous ancient tome 
Forgotten on its dusty perch 
Bears witness to the weary search 

Whence first the " heavenly maid " did come. 

In vain the toil. Come, pedant, come! 

No longer thus your heart deceive ; 

No antiquarian cobweb weave, 
But seek your answer in the home. 

When the long, weary night is past, 

The hours gone that seemed as years, 
And to the watcher's weary ears 

A tiny voice is borne at last, 

In the first baby's helpless cry 

The household music has its birth ; 
Faint quavering treble, better worth 

Than any seraph melody. 

Deep in the father's inmost heart 

Strange, tender chords— before unknown - 
The wee enchanter's presence own, 

And into sweet vibration start. 
33 



FAMILY VERSES 

Time flies ; the tiny limbs expand, 

And wax to somewhat stouter mould, 
And nature's wondrous truths unfold 

Their hundred claims on head and hand. 

Then on the mother's welcome knee, 
Safe resting-place from woe or wild, 
A greater lesson waits the child,— 

The truth, " O God, thou seest me." 

When first the lisping voice doth sigh 
Its low " Our Father " on the air, 
And mother's whisper joins the prayer, 

Begins the household harmony. 

And so it goes. Nor does it need 

The steady growth that I should trace ; 
The added years bring added grace, 

And to more perfect beauty lead. 

True, there are times when discord parts 
The listening ear in sudden pain, 
And selfish passions render vain 

The melody of loving hearts. 
34 



FAMILY VERSES 

So when the path of mischief trod 

Has tried too long the parent's love, 
The anguished scream is heard above 

The obligato of the rod. 

Yes, there are discords. So 't is best. 

Our music is of earth, not heaven ; 

T is for our good they have been given, 
To teach the sweetness of the rest. 

Be it your study— it is ours— 

To make these jarring discords few; 
Let all you say and all you do 

Make musical the passing hours. 

Then whether Afric's burning sun, 
Or Asia's jungles, wild and lone, 
First heard the weird, melodious tone, 

To you and yours will all be one. 

A sweeter study far it is 

To seek in no uncertain parts, 
In figures writ in living hearts, 

The household music's genesis. 

Brighthurst, 1886. 

35 



FAMILY VERSES 



DEDICATION OF A FAMILY CHRONICLE 

Take, dear, this book. Though naught of grace 

Or outer beauty charm the eye, 
Within it is a holy place, 

Where only love may pry. 

Write there the record of our home. 

These spotless pages, virgin white, 
Well fitting such a modest tome, 

To confidence invite. 

There that old story thou may'st tell, 
How two were one, and one was three, 

Life's oft recurring miracle, 
Which yet could not but be. 

Far off 'neath softest evening haze, 
Through mists of mem'ry softer seen, 

Old Rome I view,— her noonday blaze 
Subdued to sunset sheen. 
36 



FAMILY VERSES 

What thou hast seen of varied life, 
Old city of the countless years, 

Wise books have told, — wild tale of strife, 
Ambitions, loves and tears. 

One tale I know these books have not, 
Pull of strange story though they be, 

One quiet unrecorded spot, 
Most dear to thee and me. 

This book that story shall unfold, 
To patient list'ners whisp'ring low; 

That spot by artist's skill untold, 
This quiet page shall show. 

What though to great ones of the earth 

Our little story trivial seem ! 
To us it is of priceless worth, 

All else of Rome a dream. 

For love, dear love, thou knowest well 
In trivial things finds richest food, 

Each commonplace a parable 
To his prophetic mood. 
37 



FAMILY VERSES 

Take, book, our story— make it thine. 

Simple without, most rich within, 
Be thou thyself the fittest sign 

Of what our life hath been. 



38 



FAMILY VERSES 



THE COUNTRY HOME 

I know a cottage set on high, 

The sheltering treetops hold in their embrace ; 
Seaward it turns its morning eye, 

While nestling roses deck it with their grace. 

Through the long laughing days of June 
The wavelets, dancing by the rugged shore, 

Sing to the winds ; and these in tune 

Make answer, whispering their joy once more. 

All growing things in this dear place 
Do lift their grateful glances to the sun, 

Who smiles his love into each face 

Upturned, and drops his kisses one by one. 

Yet oft, from these sweet intimates 

I lift mine eyes, and let them seaward stray 

To where the great ships sail, by fates 

Unseen determined on their unknown way; 
39 



FAMILY VERSES 

And often, when the wind at eve 

Blows cold and shrill, and loud the breakers roar, 
My genial fireside I leave, 

And fly in thought upon the tempest far, 

Where lonely toilers on the wave 

Do battle with life's billows in the dark, 

To find in alien seas a grave, 

Or lose on treacherous rocks their trusted bark. 

For he who by the catholic sea 

Doth build his home, may fix what bolts he will 
To bar him in ; humanity 

In rags of need shall find an entrance still, 

And stand as suppliant beside his hearth, 
And crave his shelter for its storm-tossed crew, 

Bring a diviner love to birth, 
And prove him larger, nobler, than he knew. 



40 



FAMILY VERSES 



THE CITY HOME 

I know a street, where two tides meet, 
Now dark, now white with foam,— 

Two restless streams, of hopes and dreams - 
T is there you '11 find our home. 

Prom the great sea, Humanity, 

They draw the surging tide 
That beats with shock, upon the rock 

Where we do now abide. 

A narrow span for which to plan, 

Yet with foundation strong ; 
A little place for love to grace 

And joy to fill with song. 

Yet with good cheer, shall laughter here 

Make gay the morning hours, 
And for the night, we '11 trim our light 

And deck the place with flowers. 
41 



FAMILY VERSES 

Here may the sad find welcome glad 
And tears be made to cease ; 

Here darkened eyes find sunny skies, 
And restless spirits peace. 

So when without the tempest's rout 
Puts nerve and faith to strain, 

1 '11 think of rest within this nest 
And so be strong again. 



42 



FAMILY VERSES 



AFTER LOOKING AT A CHILD'S PICTURE 

Dear little eyes! bright earnest eyes! 
Tell me, I pray, what question lies 
Within that look of child surprise 

So grave I see? 
Come, whisper, dear! soft in my ear! 
I '11 not betray you. Never fear. 
The secret kept this many a year 

Is safe with me. 

Has some strange thought come all unsought, 
To your small world by knowledge brought 
Of things not always as they ought 

At three years old? 
Did dolly cry, or hurt her eye? 
Or was she bad and told a lie? 
And are you vainly asking "Why?" 

Ah, query bold! 
43 



FAMILY VERSES 

Child questionings are solemn things, 
Faint inarticulate whisperings 
Of spirit— trial of nestling wings 

Still all unused: 
Was it a tone— before unknown— 
By some wild passing wind breath blown? 
From life's weird symphony some moan 

Of chord confused? 

Some inkling wee— too soon, ah me! 
Of this our world's sad mystery, 
Sorrow and sin's dark tragedy? 

What, no replies 
Perchance I dream, and only seem 
By wayward fancy swept a-stream 
'Neath the child's brows to catch the gleam 

Of older eyes. 

Bright earnest eyes! true woman's eyes! 

To me, of all beneath the skies, 

Most precious gift, most priceless prize! 

How well I love 
That look full grave, that look so brave! 
Be sure that He who made can save; 
That He the power to ask who gave 

Answers above. 
44 



FAMILY VERSES 



THE SCHOOL BOY 

His talk is all of bat and ball, 

But in his eyes of blue 
At times I seem to catch a gleam 

Of manhood shining through. 

For in the swirl where boys do whirl 

When first to school they go, 
Beneath the splash of sprays that dash, 

Life's deeper currents flow. 

Talk as he will of Jack or Bill 

As " peachy " or as " bum," 
By love of right and honor bright 

Each measureth his chum. 

No honied word persuasive heard, 

No blow of battering ram 
Can pierce the ward where school boys guard 

Their hatred of a sham. 
45 



FAMILY VERSES 

And though 't is true that not a few 

Life's finer graces lack, 
If I must fight wrong's serried might, 

Give me a boy at back. 

So let the tear hang trembling near 
When comes the last good-bye, 

I '11 send my boy with heartfelt joy 
His luck at school to try. 

And if at night when burns the light 

Within the empty home, 
To parents twain, alone again, 

Some sober thoughts do come, 

Full well I know, however slow 
The halting hours may move, 

The time will come that brings him home 
To claim our waiting love. 

And when at last, his schooldays past, 

T is time the house to trim, 
As comrade free he '11 bring to me 

What I ne'er gave to him. 



46 



FAMILY VERSES 



THE IMP 



Motion incarnate! imp of restlessness! 

Of all things mobile and alert compact! 

Who taught thee from the clouds so late that 
wrecked 
Thy plans to woo the sun of happiness ? 

What hadst thou, since a tiny baby boy 
Thou cam'st to plague thy parents and to make 
Chaos our daily guest, thou didst not break? 

Yet in thy heart dwelt ever dancing joy. 

Still do I see thy mother's grave surprise 
To find the task undone, the hour misspent, 
Thy prodigal time to stranger fancies lent ; 

But who is proof against those roguish eyes? 

Once more I take the father's rod in hand, 
Once more the father's sacred task fulfil, 
To hear 'mid sobs and tears and kisses still 

Thy notes of triumph at new conquests planned. 

Spirit of hope! unconquerable heart! 

Thy many faults how freely we forgive. 

Drear were the world in which thou didst not live, 
To dry the tears which thou hast caused to start. 

47 



FAMILY VERSES 



BROWNIE LODGE 



THE BROWNIES 

At night they nest beneath the eaves, 
With tiny coverlets of leaves 

To guard their slumbers airy,— 
The friendly folk whose homely name 
We mortal Brownies love to claim 

As cousins to the fairy. 

But when the first faint gleam of day 
Peeps from the East, to merry play 

Like thistle-down they scatter, 
And when you hear soft laughter sly 
Peal on the ear when none is by, 

'Tis they whose footsteps patter. 
48 



FAMILY VERSES 

Then stupid folks who never laugh, 
And get provoked at honest chaff 

Fly out into a passion, 
And say, the law they must invoke 
'Gainst fairies who have dared to joke 

In such outrageous fashion. 

But kindly souls whose hearts are pure, 
And children, young and old, be sure, 

You '11 never find abusing 
The little men in suits of brown 
Who love to turn things upside down 

Because it is amusing. 

Dear roguish elves, whose merry jest 
Has oft brought solace to the breast 

Which secret grief was shaking, 
Hold you the pen, and I will write 
The story old for your delight 

Of Brownie Lodge's making. 



49 



FAMILY VERSES 



II 

THE BUILDING OF THE HOUSE 

More years ago than I shall tell — 

The older people know too well— 

While still on Brighthurst's mountain height 

Dame Nature ruled by sovereign right, 

And in the good old-fashioned way 

The oaks and cedars spent their day, 

Dropping small acorns by the root, 

And teaching youthful cones to shoot, 

In the staid town of William Penn, 

A small log cabin— twelve by ten— 

To wondering eyes the story told, 

How people lived in days of old. 

Amid the throngs whose footsteps slow 
Passed in their going to and fro, 
Hither one summer day there came 
Two gentlefolk— a squire and dame,— 
50 



FAMILY VERSES 

He, on the lady's pleasure bent, 

She, that his will should find a vent. 

Quick as a flash her eagle eye 

That naught escaped the hut did spy. 

" O John," she cried, " how nice 't would be 

If this small cabin we could see 

Transported to our mountain height 

For all the little Browns' delight," 

And John replied, as husbands should, 

" My dear, your plan is very good." 

Full soon, where once the wild-birds sang, 
The sound of lusty axes rang, 
And mighty oaks whose giant arms 
Had long defied the storm's alarms, 
Quivered,— then tottered to their fall, 
As sinks the sun at evening's call. 
Yet not as older warriors fell, — 
Their only dirge the nightwind's knell, 
Their chorister some bird that grieves, 
Their shroud the dying autumn's leaves— 
These doughty champions passed away 
Without a resurrection day. 
For them a brighter morning dawned 
Beyond the darksome grave that yawned. 
51 



FAMILY VERSES 

For, fashioned into beams, behold 
Them fitted to a building's mould, 
By the strong arm of faithful Jake 
Who thus our Brownie Lodge did make. 

And now at length the house is done,— 
Or rather it is just begun. 
Full grave the task we still must face. 
It is not hard to make a place 
With walls and ceiling, floor and roof 
Tight to the air and waterproof. 
But furnishing ? s a different matter, 
And makes interminable chatter. 
Each for the new home's christening 
Some useful article must bring. 
Old chairs and tables once did grace 
Some ancient worthy's dwelling place 
Now find a modest lodging here, 
And serve the children's humbler cheer. 
A spinning wheel, a trundle bed, 
An ancient crane, a patchwork spread, 
A sampler worked by Grandma's hand 
A musket grim, a writing stand, 
A fan for winnowing the chaff, 
A picture— no, you must n't laugh — 
52 



FAMILY VERSES 

Showing the wayward prodigal 
Merrily striding toward his fall, 
Clad in the strangest pantaloons 
E'er graced Jerusalem's saloons:— 
Such are the gifts in ceaseless shower, 
Poured in for Brownie Lodge's dower, 
Until at last the task is done 
And all is ready for the fun. 



53 



FAMILY VERSES 
III 

LEARNING TO COOK 

Maysie, put the kettle on, and set the cups for tea! 
The eggs are frying in the pan: the steak is brown, 

you see; 
And all is ready for the guests who dine with you and 

me. 

The tablecloth is spotless white, as freshly-fallen snow; 
The butter yellow as the gold the buttercups do show; 
And mouths will water like the brooks that down the 
hillsides flow. 

But if you think the cook too small, to serve so large 
a meal, 

Pluck up your courage like a knight who meets a foe- 
man's steel, 

And eat in faith whatever comes, and then— see how 
you feel. 



54 



FAMILY VERSES 



IV 

THE GARDENERS 

When first the spring— 

That clever thing— 
Starts all the flowers growing, 

Each girl and boy 

Begins with joy 
A digging and a hoeing. 

And first we dig 

A hole full big 
To hold the seed we 're sowing; 

And then with glee 

We dig to see 
Whether it 's really growing. 
55 



FAMILY VERSES 

And when the rain 
With might and main 

Is sending down its showers, 
It tells us too 
What we should do 

In watering our flowers. 

But when the sun 

Invites to fun 
In cloudless August weather, 

Each flower bed 

Unwashed, unfed, 
Is left alone to wither. 

Yet here and there 
Kind Nature's care — 

It surely is no other- 
Some flowers sweet 
Preserves to greet 

The longed-for smile of Mother. 



56 



FAMILY VERSES 



V 

FRIENDS' DAY 

Silent the house. The inmates all are flown, 
Who once made Brownie Lodge their own. 
No longer now the gently rising smoke, 
Lazily circling through the leaves of oak, 
Warns sober folk of more substantial age 
That Bessie 's in the culinary stage; 
And sister Maysie's tiny feet no more 
Go twinkling by on their eternal chore. 
The garden 's free from weeds at last; yet fate 
Seems to have left it sadly desolate. 
Disconsolate the well-bred pansies mourn, 
Like lonely children when their playmate 's gone. 
The place is strangely empty. All about 
A leaden stillness hangs. But hark! What shout 
Is this that sudden breaks the quiet mild ? 
A laugh like that comes only from a child. 
What sound of little feet is this I hear 
Waking old echoes in my listening ear? 

57 



FAMILY VERSES 

What merry troop whose coming through the trees 

Sets all a-quiver like the morning breeze? 

No strangers these whose all devouring swarm 

Takes unresisting Brownie Lodge by storm. 

Has Father Brown, whom all men so respect 

Become a convert to the Mormon sect, 

And are these dames in sober garments dressed 

New wives he ? s taken at his faith's behest? 

Who else would dare another child to lay 

In the old cradle where he used to play, 

Or with the dainty china make so free 

In which dear Grandma poured her maiden tea ? 

No need for fear. Nor children these nor wife, 

Who wake the forest to unwonted life. 

These are the friends who from the city come 

To find in Brownie Lodge a second home, 

And in the kindly school of love and ruth 

Teach us the secret of undying youth. 



58 



FAMILY VERSES 
VI 

THE CAMPFIRE 

Watch how the eager flame leaps high! 
The flying cinders mark! 

Hear how the rending cedar's cry- 
Goes crackling through the dark! 

Drink in the odors sweet that fly 
From underneath the bark! 

Quick, Hans ! another armful here, 
To feed the hungry flame! 

For Tante May would warn you, dear, 
T was work for which you came. 

You laugh, as merry in your cheer 
As if it were a game. 

Now let us nestle side by side 

And watch the fire's glow, 

And we will think of Christmastide 
So many years ago, 

And Him who came on earth to bide 
Because He loved us so. 
59 



FAMILY VERSES 

Of Him who came on earth to live, 

A little child like you; 
Of Him who learned so soon to grieve, 

As you, my child, must do; 
Of Him who yearned so much to give,- 

Would we might learn it too! 

Of Him who came on earth to die, 

As dies yon flickering flame, 
And rose from death, as you and I 

Shall see it live again, 
And now is bending from the sky, 

As at the first He came, 
To share His gracious charity 

With all who love His name. 



60 



FAMILY VERSES 



VII 

AND AFTER 

So, tiny friends, the tale is done 
That was so merrily begun. 

'T is time that we were parting. 
How much of laughter and of jest 
Remains untold, you know the best, 

Who set the smiles a-starting. 

Yet, ere the last good-bye is said, 
One silent prayer be upward sped, 

That in the bosom ? s hiding, 
That the good Father in his grace 
May in each Brownie's heart and face 

Keep faith and fun abiding. 



61 



II 

FAMILY NONSENSE 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



THE FRESHMAN'S ALPHABET 

A 's Athenaeum, of Freshmen the bore ; 
B are its Benches, with names covered o'er. 
C stands for College and Campus and all, 
D for Durf ee and Divinity Hall. 
E's the tall Elm, with its broad-spreading trunk ; 
P stands for Freshman and also his Flunk. 
G is the Gym, where he takes exercise, 
H is his Horror, when Sophomores surprise, 
I, Indignation, when forced to stand treat, 
J are the Jeers his remonstrances meet. 
K is the Kick in the game of Foot-ball. 
Us our Landlady, sharp-visaged and tall. 
M are her Meals, which are hardly divine. 
N stands for Navy, and also for Nine. 
0, our Objections to paying our due. 
P stands for Pony, and President too. 
Q is our Quaking when first we behold him. 
R is the Rush, we were not over-bold in. 

65 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

S is a Shirt, and the Sophomore who wears it ; 
T, the Triumphant young Freshman who tears it. 
U is the Union, Uniting us here. 

V is Vacation, soon may it appear. 
W's the Warning, how Woeful its call. 
X is old Xenophon, hated of all ! 

Y stands for Yale, ever hearty and hale, 
and Z is the Zeal we all have for old Yale. 

New Haven, 1883. 



66 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



HOW WE WENT TO FARMINGTON 

I AM asked to tell the story 

Of our trip to Farmington, 
Of our trials and adventures, 

Of our fear and of our fun. 

But, methinks, not even Homer, 
Were he wakened from his rest, 

Could do justice to the subject, 
Though he tried his level best. 

Soft the afternoon and balmy, 
Blue the sky, the breezes sweet ; 

Nature smiled, and all was charming 
Save the mud beneath our feet. 

Six young men along the pathway 
Strive the driest spots to find, 

Till they reach the school house portal, - 
Six— for one was left behind. 
67 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

We had seen him in New Haven, 
Searching left and searching right 

For some baggage that was missing ; 
There he vanished from our sight. 

But our friend was soon forgotten 
In the sight which met our eyes, 

As we entered through the doorway, 
For we stood in Paradise. 

All about a rich profusion, 

Blossoms fair from wood and dale, 
But the graces of the maidens 

Made the flowers with envy pale. 

In the midst of all Miss Porter 
Like a guardian spirit stood, 

And we trembled when we saw her, 
Staid and strict and strong and good. 

But she bade us kindly welcome, 
Bade our quaking hearts sit still, 

Then beside our sisters left us 
Free to wonder and to thrill. 
68 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

If you ask me of the concert, 

What and when and how they played, 
I am sure I cannot tell you, 

I was careless, Fm afraid. 

For that sea of lovely faces 
(I suppose it was n't right,) 

Kept enchained my whole attention, 
And I lost the music quite. 

Eyes of blue and eyes of hazel, 
Chestnut eyes and eyes of grey, 

Rosy lips and glossy tresses 
O'er my giddy brain held sway. 

From the vision's bright enchantment 
Downward glancing like a fool, 

Suddenly this heading met me— 
Mrs. Dow's Young Ladies' School. 

At the stiffly printed letters 
Then my anger quickly rose. 

Surely it was unromantic 

Thus to mix with poetry prose. 
69 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

School ! The word was profanation 

For a company so rare ; 
If its lovely members study 

Sure, 't is only to be fair ! 

When the show was almost over 
Came a knocking at the door, 

And the seventh brother entered, 
Whom we 'd lost so long before. 

Two long hours he '& spent in prinking 

At the village inn hard by, 
And the maidens gazed with wonder 

At his bearing sweet and high. 

But his triumph was a brief one, 
We were sorry to perceive, 

For the quickly thinning parlors 
Warned us it was time to leave. 

I should like to tell you further 
Of the parting words we said, 

Of the pleasant dreams that hovered 
Gently round each sleeping head. 
70 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

But 't is time to end my story, 

For already ? t is too long, 
And I 'm morally persuaded 

You are tired of my song. 

As I took my sad departure 
In the village stage next day, 

Thus to me a country bumpkin 
Slowly spake his solemn say : 

" Thet wuz quite a lively blow-out 
Thet they seem t' 'uv hed last night." 

"Yes, my friend," I answered simply, 
" Yes, my honest friend, you 're right ! " 

New Haven, March, 1885. 



71 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

SERENADE 

COMPOSED BY A YOUNG ITALIAN, UNFORTUNATELY IGNORANT OF THE 
NATIONALITY OF THE OBJECT OF HIS AFFECTIONS, BUT DETERMINED 
TO STICK AT NO SUCH TRIFLE AS THAT. 

Carissima mia, Signora ! 
Dich lieb ich with all of my soul ! 
Et je t'aimerai toujours et toujours. 
Nun also, natiirlich ; ja wohl ! 

O ! luna bianca in cielo ! 

Mais tiens ! See das Fenster above ! 

Was sagst du, carissima mia ? 

Mein Thierchen, ma cherie, my dove ! 

Elle parle ! Oh, by George, wie du schon bist ! 
Behold me the prey of love's dart. 
Nicht Donner und Blitzen, Regen, Hagel, 
Schnee und Eis mich behalten kann, 
Bis ich clasp your sweet form to my heart. 

Das Fenster sich schliesst ; elle est partie. 

Es only remains for zu gehen. 

Also, cara mia ! Good evening. 

Ich empfehle mich. Auf wiedersehn. 

N. B. As it happened, the young lady was a Russian, 
so all his efforts were of no avail. 

1882. 

72 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



THE KISS 

I see an ill-assorted pair, 
A maiden delicate and fair 
With rosebud lips and meaning eyes 
And look of innocent surprise. 
But who is this before her there— 
The little chap with tangled hair, 
Who frowns— unworthy of the bliss 
Of getting such a charming kiss ? 
A wayward little rascal he, 
Who little cares how blest he be, 
But pouts and cries— this foolish Bill- 
At being kissed against his will. 

Old time rolls on, and now the maid 
Has somewhat older grown and staid. 
Her early charms have yielded place 
To other and maturer grace. 
No longer now with laughing eye 
She seeks her little friend to spy, 
73 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

But walks apart in silent state, 
Serene, imposing, and sedate. 
Big Bill, whene'er— as often is— 
He thinks of that long vanished kiss, 
Stills feels his mournful bosom pant, 
But now he weeps, to think he can't. 

New York, January, 1886. 



74 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



TO SUSY 

I 

1 'm asked to write a rhyme for Sue. 

It were a charming thing to do, 

Had one the wit. Take eyes of blue 

And golden hair— a dimple too; 

Ears quick to hear, chin firm and true— 

That is the outward part of Sue. 

But of the soul within— Pray who 

Can paint this picture ? Give their due 

To heart and mind. Alas ! not you 

Nor I may pluck the fruit that grew 

For one alone— that poet new 

Whom love shall teach to find the clue 

To that sweet mystery, our Sue. 

II 

What time I said your eyes were blue, 
I really thought that it was true 
There was no other rhyme would do. 
75 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

But now I see " eyes dark in hue " 
Is just as good. So, wayward Sue, 
Take these instead. You '11 never rue 
The change. And I, your grace to sue, 
"Brown wavy hair" will give to you. 
Your dimple with a " smile or two " 
Replace, and hope this version new 
Will satisfy my critic Sue. 



76 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

EXERCISE versus PHYSIC 

TO H. G. B. 

WITH THE PRESENT OF A PAIR OF WOODEN DUMBBELLS. 

The frogs— so runs the story through the town— 
Once chose as King the patient monarch Log,— 
Too patient as it proved ; for each small frog 

Did as he pleased, nor feared the royal frown. 

Whereat, despising this inglorious chief 

They chose King Stork,— a royal King was he. 
Each night he ate a subject for his tea 

Till all were gone. 'T is really past belief. 

Five years, dear Wife,— as once upon the frog— 
Has long-billed Doctor Stork upon you fed. 
Take warning from my tale. Ere you be dead, 

Show Stork the door, and send for Doctor Log. 

New York, March 30, 1897. 



77 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



THE TEA PARTY 

My lady bade her friends to tea 

Upon the smiling ocean. 
The number six she first did fix 

To share the gentle motion. 

But one, forewarned by perils past, 

Omitted to arrive. 
Upon the brink she back did shrink, 

And then there were but five. 

And one no sooner came on board 
Than back she turned to shore. 
" The launch ! Enough ! " she cried, 
"Puff, puff!" 
And then there were but four. 

The hostess next appeareth vexed,— 

A wondrous sight is she. 
A soft pea green she now is seen, 

And soon there '11 be but three. 
78 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

Her husband leaps into a boat,— 

He knoweth what to do. 
See ! at the oar he pulls for shore, 

And now there are but two. 

Now ask me not what next occurred, 
And how the party ended. 

I fear lest one should soon be none. 
Least said is soonest mended. 



79 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



THE SPINET 

To M. E. B. 
WITH THE GIFT OF A TOY SPINET. 

O Lady fair, whose wisdom rare 
Most learned men amazes ! 

To whom on aboriginal drums 
Wild Indians chant their praises ! 

In Florence far, where treasures are, 
There blossomed once a spinet,— 

So wondrous fair, I do declare, 
The others were not in it. 

Our lady heard,— some little bird 
Brings news of all that's doing— 

So to the spinet in her way 
She coyly went a-wooing. 

" O spinet, hear ! I love you, dear ! 

Be mine, you '11 ne'er regret me." 
The spinet sighed, and soon replied, 

" A hundred francs will get me." 
80 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

The price was high, the lady shy, 
Conflicting feelings pricked her. 

So art pulled here, and purse strings there, 
Till art came out a victor. 

Away! away! without delay, 

The message went a speeding. 
Alas! alas! it came to pass, 

It fell on ears unheeding. 

Some bolder love, of sterner mood, 

Had whisked away our hero, 
And left behind — how sad to find— 

His compliments and zero, 

lady lorn, your grief we mourn 

And long to do you pleasure, 
The world we ? ve sought and hither brought 

This unexpected treasure. 

Take then this spinet which we bring, 
And wipe your eyes, poor weeper, 

For, though it is not half as fair, 
It 's ninety-nine times cheaper. 



81 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



THE INTELLIGENCE OFFICE 

Have you a longing yet unstilled, 
A need unmet, a wish unfilled ? 
Why idly weep ? Without delay 
Communicate with our Miss May. 

With her you '11 information find 
Of all who long to serve mankind ; 
No office for a holder waits 
But she has fifty candidates. 

Are you by chance in need of cooks ? 
She 's forty-seven on her books, 
With every grace of mind and heart— 
Except the culinary art. 

A secretary if you seek, 
She has them, muscular or weak. 
Whate'er you wish they can do well— 
Unless they should be asked to spell. 
82 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

A nurse considerate and kind 
She '11 quick supply, and you will find 
Her deft to sooth your every ache— 
Whene'er she chance to be awake. 

A furnace man perhaps you 'd like, 
Some paragon of Pat or Mike. 
Six lame men are among her cares, 
Who balk at nothing— but the stairs. 

But if you really want your work 
Done quick and neat and without shirk, 
For cook, scribe, nurse or furnace man 
To take Miss May herself 's your plan. 



83 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



CONTEMPORARIES 

LINES WRITTEN ON RECEIVING AN INVITATION TO A " DINOSAUR TEA" 

FROM A MAN WHO HAD OMITTED TO INVITE US TO THE 

WEDDING OF HIS DAUGHTER. 

Though to the jovial marriage feast 
We ancient folk be asked no more, 

Take comfort, love. We 're bid at least 
To supper with the Dinosaur. 



AN INTIMATE QUESTION 

Oft have I asked my dearest rose, 
My fount of wisdom and advice, 
Why I should spend my shekels nice 

To pay a maid to hide my clothes. 



85 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



THE POET 

This melancholy chap 's a poet. 

He tries to please, but does n't show it. 

He seems to think 

That printer's ink 
Is just as good as pearls or Moet. 



TO J. M. BARRIE 

If 'Liza made sweet Peter Pan, 
Too highly none can prize her ; 

But higher still I rate the man, 
Who first did make Eliza. 



86 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



POWER THROUGH REPOSE 

A MEDITATION BORN OF EXPERIENCE. 

Said the mason to the plumber : " Now, don't you 

really think 
The time has come when we should take a friendly 

little drink ? 
The boss is nearly frantic ; the need for hurry grows. 
T is clearly now our duty to seek power through 

repose." 

" Agreed," the plumber cries, " agreed." And you shall 

see them soon 
Steal from their spirit-rasping toil to a nearby saloon, 
Where copious draughts of frothy beer their restless 

nerves do still, 
The while the patient householder is footing up the 

bill 

87 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

Would you could hear the golden words that from their 

lips do fall. 
They speak of Wagner's " Simple Life" and Annie 

Payson Call. 
" Strange how that fellow Roosevelt has petered out," 

one said, 
u A man so strenuous as he is ethically dead." 

And when at last, back to their work their languid 

footsteps turn, 
'T is plain to see they 've gained the peace for which 

our spirits yearn. 
O happy land, where practice with thought is not at 

strife, 
And plumbers vie with masons in their zeal for higher 

life! 

New York, November, 1905. 



88 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



THE RIVAL DENTISTS 



A BALLAD OF CIVIL WAR, 



Assist me, Muse! not thou to whom the lyric bards 

make prayer, 
Who write of love and violets and brooks and wavy 

hair! 
No sentimental theme is mine for babes and ancient 

dames. 
I sing of stratagems and war and blood and raging 

flames;— 
Of that worst war, whose thirst for gore to rival camps 

doth bring 
Brother and sister, friend and f riend r — such strife, dread 

Muse, I sing. 

The battle of the dentists here to celebrate I 'm fain — 
Laud Slice and Hipkins striving each the laurel wreath 
to gain. 

89 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

For Boston Hipkins fights, Slice for New York. Yet 

fate decrees 
Boston 's for strenuosity, New York for dreamy ease. 
The massive strain of Hipkins' brain his advocates 

extol ; 
But Slice excels in sentiment,— he 's strongest in the 

soul. 

See now the heroes stripped for fight. Unlike the war 

they wage ; 
One soft and slow, and one aglow with elemental rage. 
With ceaseless click, through thick and thin, harsh 

Hipkins heedless hacks; 
But the thin wedge of smiling Slice slips in as smooth 

as wax. 
How count the instruments they use, their cruel knives 

and saws, 
The file to rile, the axe that cracks and hammers on 

your jaws 

The latest murderous device keeps Hipkins up to date. 

But Slice takes pride in weapons tried his foe to pene- 
trate. 

No artificial counterscarp shields Hipkins' ruthless ram; 

But Slice— he fighteth at his ease behind his rubber 
dam. 

90 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

In silence Hipkins strikes— no breath hath he for idle 

taunts, 
But with soft words the languorous Slice his prowess 

ceaseless vaunts. 

From morning bright to dusky night upon his victim's 

head 
Rains Hipkins tireless his blows till you or he be dead. 
But Slice the sage prefers to wage an intermittent 

war; 
He smiteth short but oft, draws off, to have at you once 

more. 
On such a field who first shall yield, who first restrain 

his choler? 
I '11 back them both while there 's a tooth still left, or 

eke a dollar. 



91 



FAMILY NONSENSE 



THE BALLAD OF PATRICK FORD MAGEE 

LINES SUGGESTED BY AN INCIDENT SEEN AT THE SAILING OP THE 
STEAMSHIP "WERRA." 

A doughty son of Ireland was Patrick Ford Magee. 
He was as tough a citizen as you would care to see, 
And one fine steaming August day he started off to sea. 

To procure a steerage passage his last cent he had 

employed 
Upon the good ship " Werra," of the line of " Deutscher 

Lloyd. " 
The vacuum resulting this worthy man annoyed. 

But Patrick had a faithful friend, O'Flanagan by name. 
He vowed he 'd see his " darlint " off, by thunder and 

by flame. 
That Pat should go to sea alone he thought a burning 

shame. 

92 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

And as a parting gift he brought a drop of " Mountain 

Dew," 
To warm his heart and clear his brain, and set its rosy 

hue 
Upon the place that gets its grace from alcoholic 

brew. 

Alas ! The day was broiling hot, the sun beat on his 

pate. 
O'Flanagan went on so slow he reached the steamer 

late ; 
Upon the plank a boatswain stood, as sinister as fate. 

Upon the deck he saw his friend, hard by the weather 

pump. 
He waved the bottle in the air, then on the plank did 

jump. 
A cop stretched out his burly hand and pulled him 

back— kerflump ! 

The boatswain piped his whistle— the gangplank swung 

in air. 
Ah ! then there fell on Pat Magee a look of dark 

despair, 
As when a man has seen his suit rejected by his fair. 

93 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

Upon the wharf a youngster stood— a sailor chap was 

he. 
Said he, " If that there whisky flask of yours belonged 

to me, 
I 'd tie a bowline 'round her neck and i hist ' her up to 

he." 

No sooner said than done. The rope is found, the knot 

is tied. 
Four times the cord is thrown and missed ; the fifth it 

strikes the side, 
And Patrick has it by the end, his face aglow with 

pride. 

And now, behold, the Mountain Dew is swinging in the 

air. 
No mother holds her infant babe with more protecting 

care 
Than that with which our friend Magee doth guide his 

treasure rare. 

At last the treacherous gulf is passed— the prize is well 

nigh won. 
Alas ! That such an end should meet a scheme so 

well begun. 

94 



FAMILY NONSENSE 

Well said the wise man, ">Vanity is all beneath the 

sun." 

Hans Donnerwetter Blitzenschwanz, the second mate 

was he. 
Long time he stood with folded arms and watched our 

friend Magee ; 
Then snatched the bottle from his hands, and cast it in 

the sea, 
And that is everything I know of Patrick Ford Magee. 



95 



Ill 

MY ROSE AND OTHER VERSES 



OTHER VERSES 



APOLOGIA PRO FURTO SUO 

My choicest blossoms plucked I for my dear, 

Her heart to please. 
Within her inmost chamber found they cheer, 

To their heart s ease. 

When for my friends I would my table grace 

With flowers fair, 
And turned again unto the roses* place, 

I found it bare. 

While thus I gazed at the empty bush, 

Heavy with care, 
Heard I quick footsteps in the evening's hush, 

Light as the air. 

Then sudden on my arm was laid a hand, 

Soft as the breeze. 
Turning I saw my love with roses stand, 

Who said: Take these. 



L Or C. 99 



OTHER VERSES 



MY ROSE 



I called thee rose, love; and rose thou art, 
Since thou art sweet and pure and fair. 

Deep-rooted in the garden of my heart, 
In fragrance dost thou blossom there. 

Thy velvet cheek, when bruised with cruel blows, 

I press to mine, and find relief. 
Since thou art smooth and soft and safe, my rose, 

My solace canst thou be from grief. 

Yet hath the rose her thorns. Hast thou not thine? 

When listless at mine ease I move, 
Counting my little done enough, since mine, 

Who pricks me on, but thou, my love? 

When from the day's long toil I bring to thee 
My best, to win thy praise, my crown, 

Who bids me seek my better still to be, 
Spurs to new tasks, but thou, my own? 

What need I, but in thee complete I have? 

What grace but in thy spirit blows? 
Balsam or goad, true love or comrade brave, 

What lack I, having thee, my rose? 

101 



OTHER VERSES 

TO MY LOVE'S PICTURE 

SONG 

From out thy rim 

Of gold so trim, 
Dear love, I see thee smile. 

Thou canst not hear— 

Though thou art near— 
The plaint I make the while. 

When thou art by 

The hours fly, 
Alas! too fast, too fast! 

When thou art sped, 

My joy is fled, 
My sky is overcast. 

While at my side 

Thou dost abide, 
All riches I possess. 

When thou art gone, 

No beggar lorn 
Can be so penniless. 
102 



OTHER VERSES 

When from thine eyes 

My summer skies, 
Thy sun of love doth shine, 

Come storm, come rain, 

Come grief or pain, 
Warm shelter still is mine. 

Where shalt thou find, 

O most unkind! 
More love than shall be thine, 

When thou shalt come 

To claim thine own, 
Here in these arms of mine? 

Then haste thee, sweet, 

Thy love to meet! 
Too long thou tarriest far. 

Why longer roam 

When here is home, 
Where all thy treasures are? 



103 



OTHER VERSES 

A FACE IN THE STREET. 

Only a fleeting vision caught 

Of a face in the city street; 
But a fragrance lingers in my thought, 

And quicker my pulses beat, 

And the dingy walls— as I pass— are bright, 

And the dusty pavements fair, 
And the crowds that jostle to left and right 

Tread lightly as the air. 

For in two brown eyes (Oh, how fair to see ! ) 

I have read love's message true, 
And the smile that has passed from my love to me 

Has made the whole world new. 

It may chance, on the dusty street of life 

I shall pass with weary tread; 
'Mid the crowding thoughts that are all at strife, 

And the shadows of hopes long dead. 

Oh, then may I see thy face once more 

With its smile so brave and true, 
That at light of the eyes I have loved of yore 

I may kindle my faith anew. 
104 



OTHER VERSES 

TO MY LOVE 

WITH THE DEAD BODY OP A LITTLE POEM. 

Love not the words I speak 

(Lips falter oft). 
Low flies my thought, too weak 

To soar aloft. 

Love what I fain would say 
(Thou, love, canst hear),— 

Dreams that would wing their way 
High in the clear. 

Yet o'er my verses dead, 

Fallen in flight, 
Still let thy pity spread 

Love's mantle light. 

So shall my songs to be, 

Daring to roam, 
Mount up at last to thee, 

And find their home. 



105 



OTHER VERSES 

LOVE'S CALENDAR 

TO MY LOVE 

f Twas y ester night. 
When I would write 

Some wise sermonic lore, 
A little wight- 
Most impolite— 

Came crowding in before. 

I caught him, dear. 
Behold him here 

Your clemency to sue ! 
His guilt is clear, 
Yet much I fear 

The cause of it was — you ! 

SONG 

Friendly sprites, who guard Love's ways, 

Ever new, 
When he comes, and where he stays, 

Tell me true ; 
What the hours, which the days, 
When a lover, all ablaze, 
Knows his sweetheart's sweetest phase 

To be due. 
106 



OTHER VERSES 

Is it morning, when the light 

In her eyes 
Greets the dawn, in rosy flight, 

All surprise? 
Is it noon, when earth is bright 
With the day's full-orbed delight, 
And her spirit, in its might 

Soars the skies? 

Is it evening, when the shade, 

As we stand, 
Bids day's bolder colors fade 

O'er the land, 
Till beneath night's shelt'ring plaid, 
Bolder now and unafraid 
Silent lip to lip is laid, 

Hand in hand? 

Is it spring, when laughing May 

Decks her bowers? 
Or when summer makes display 

Of her flowers? 
When ripe autumn's mintage gay, 
Golden red and silver gray, 
The lorn forest's dying day 
Richly dowers? 
107 



OTHER VERSES 

Is it youth, when hope and joy 

Reign supreme, 
And the world a maiden's toy 

Still doth seem? 
Or, when girlhood's sweetness cloy, 
Shall the woman's bloom employ, 
With a zest without alloy 

All my dream? 

When the knell of autumn rings, 

And I see 
Marks of care and sufferings, 

Borne for me, 
Shall the calm life's evening brings 
To our restless questionings, 
When we know the truth of things, 

Sweetest be? 

Foolish lover, do not so 

Tempt your fate. 
Let your idle questions go 

As to date. 
From the realm of Love, you know, 
Time was banished long ago, 
Dares no more his face to show, 

Soon or late. 
108 



OTHER VERSES 

Love is constant ; has no night 

And no day ; 
Knows no spring, no autumn blight, 

No decay. 
In the ever-burning light 
Of his Mistress' eyes so bright 
Finds unchanging his delight 

Now and aye. 



109 



OTHER VERSES 



"A LITTLE KNOT OF BLUE/' 

Sweet knot, that wind your wavy blue 
About my love, pray, tell me true 
Whence did you steal your dainty hue ? 

Not from the eyes that draw me down 
To depths of bliss wherein I drown— 
Clear wells of light !— for they are brown. 

Not from the lips that hold unsaid 
The winged words I would were sped— 
Strong gates of love !— for they are red. 

Not from the brow where I would write 
With burning lips my heart's delight— 
Fair scroll of life!— for it is white. 

I think that of the sky above 
Your fairy noose some spirit wove 
In hope that he might snare my love. 



110 



OTHER VERSES 



A QUESTION 
I 

Through the bars day by day- 

Singing for me— 
Poured forth a bird its lay 

In minor key. 

Grateful the food I gave 

Took from my hand; 
Oft in the flood did lave 

My care had planned. 

Yet ever in my ear 

Appealingly 
Seemed I this prayer to hear, 

Wind-borne to me:— 
111 



OTHER VERSES 

" Give but the liberty 
For which I long, 

Ceaseless I '11 sing to thee 
My grateful song." 

Heard the unspoken vow; 

Wide flew the door. 
Silent my heavens now; 

Songs are no more. 



II 

Narrow thy lot, love ! 

Living for me; 
Bars that I cannot move 

Encompass thee. 

Grateful the love I bring 

Thou dost receive; 
Oft to my arm dost cling, 

And wilt not leave. 

Yet through thy smiles I see 

Shining a tear, 
Winging the thought to me 

Ears never hear. 
112 



OTHER VERSES 

" Were but from cramping care 

Our life set free, 
How beyond all compare 

My love for thee !" 

Could I the door wide fling, 

Bid care take flight, 
Would love too spread his wing, 

my delight ? 



113 



OTHER VERSES 



COMMUNION 

When on thy watching eyes the climbing moon 

Drops his soft kiss beside the silver sea, 
And in the trembling joy that dies too soon 

I feel the thrill of Nature's mystery, 
Then am I brothered with each artist true 

Who bows in reverence at Beauty's shrine; 
I feel the charm enchanted Turner knew, 

And share with Inness rapt his trance divine. 

But rarer still the gift thou dost impart, 

When by the genial lamplight's evening glow, 
I see thy lips in sudden wonder part 

At some sweet thought stol 'n from the page below. 
For then the poets' joys I make my own; 

Know Wordsworth's rapture o'er the daffodil, 
And hear great Shakespeare sing in magic tone 

Of life and death and love and good and ill. 



114 



OTHER VERSES 

AMOR INVICTUS 

If these bright eyes, now closed in gentle sleep, 

No more should wake ; 
If this soft breath, so calm, so full, so deep, 

Its flight should take, 
Still would thy love my heart in safety keep, 

Lest it should break ? 

From the far country of the dim unknown 

(Par, love, or near?), 
Still would thy spirit steal to claim its own, 

As thou dost here? 
And all I do or plan or hope alone 

Through thee be dear ? 

When kindly night— after day's fevered strife— 

Shall bring its rest, 
Still may I hold thee fast, O spirit wife ! 

Within my breast, 
And, knowing thee mine own in death as life, 

Be wholly blest ! 



115 



OTHER VERSES 



SYMPATHY 

I stood in Santa Croce, 'neath the wall 
Made fair by Giotto's frescoes; thither drawn 
Because a friend had whispered in my ear 
That in that chapel dim were treasures rare. 
A soft half -twilight filled the darkened room: 
Above, a curtain drawn by envious hands 
To hide from hungry souls God's own free light 
(Save as they bought it of some sacristan), 
Caught the full brightness of the noon-day sun 
And held it prisoner. Only softened rays 
Stole gently o'er the wall. Long time I stood 
And strove to pierce the gloom. At length my eyes, 
Grown wonted to the dusk, were conscious, first 
Of colors, then of single forms, which soon 
Took each his place in one harmonious whole, 
Until the finished picture stood revealed. 
I saw the Saviour sweeping through the sky 
With saints and angels in bright garments clad. 
From the fair mansions earthward Christ had come 
To call an old saint from his narrow house 

116 



OTHER VERSES 

To the glad home above. At the still call 
The sepulcher is rent; the sleeper starts 
From his long sleep, and through the open door 
Rises to meet, his Master in the air. 
About the tomb, in variant attitudes, 
Stand groups of startled men. A part 
Gaze at the grave, to mark if it be bare; 
Others at one another, asking each 
His neighbor of the prodigy; a few, 
With upturned faces, see the rising saint 
And catch the golden glory in the air. 
But he— the gray old man— his waiting past- 
Sees not the crowd who throng the grave about, 
Sees not the band of bright ones in the air 
With hands outstretched to greet him, sees alone 
His Saviour's face— that loving, tender face- 
Feels but the look of welcome in his eyes, 
And, in the light that streams from that bright sun 
Himself is all transfigured; till the marks 
Of strife and pain slip from him like a dress, 
Outworn and cast aside. As thus I gazed, 
Two weary travelers to the chapel strayed, 
Led by a guide who, pointing to the wall, 
Exclaimed in accents loud: "This picture, sirs, 
Is Giotto's glory of the old St. John." 

117 



OTHER VERSES 

Then, glancing jealously to where I stood, 
As though begrudging what he now must do, 
Drew back the curtain and the full rich rays 
Flooded the frescoed wall. The strangers gazed 
With leaden eyes, as men who do hard tasks 
For duty's sake. Now, as they looked, and I 
Looked also, this strange thing befell. The sun, 
Instead of brightening, made the picture dim. 
The glow, so slowly won from out the gloom, 
Was lost in empty light. The golden gleam, 
From the Christ's face that streamed, was soon 

dissolved 
In yellow lines, stiff, straight and cold and dead. 
The halo all was gone; the marks alone 
Of time and change were clearer than before. 
Short time they tarried, then passed on. The guide 
With quick relief drew the high curtain close, 
And, with a look at me which seemed to say, 
Now linger if you will, he too was gone. 
And so they left me. Silently I stood, 
And in the softened light, now all my own, 
Won back my vision fair. No earthly form 
Strove with the pictured crowd to gain their place: 
No conscious thought of any but myself 

Was present to my mind. Yet as I looked, 

118 



OTHER VERSES 

Within some secret chamber of the heart, 

Deeper than thought itself, I seemed to feel 

The presence of my friend invisible 

In silent sympathy; and the quick sense 

Played on my spirit as upon a harp. 

Eye, heart and mind alike were opened wide 

To take the painter's message. As the strings 

In some rare inwrought Indian instruments, 

Untouched by human hands, are subtly stirred 

To sweet vibration by the softest sound 

Of distant music, if but tuned aright, 

So the still sweetness in another's heart 

Made mine responsive, and it seemed to sound 

In harmonies not mine, yet all my own. 

Oh, sympathy! best gift of God to men! 

Wisest of all our teachers! mystic bond, 

By which two souls without or word or look 

Read each the other's heart! With what blest light 

Dost thou the world illume! What common joys 

Dost thou not glorify! What bitter griefs 

But at thy touch are rendered sacred things! 

What darkest realm of mystery divine 

But brightens at thy presence into day! 

Florence, 1891. 

119 



OTHER VERSES 



WITH THE GIFT OF A FLORENTINE PICTURE 

Long years ago in Florence lived a monk— 
A gentle soul, well loved of God and man. 
Many sweet strains he heard and visions fair 
Broke on him from the world across the veil. 
To* him the angels came and freely talked, 
And showed their happy faces, and the monk 
Put all upon the canvas, as a man 
Paints dear loved faces of familiar friends. 
Pull well he loved the Christ, and the scarred face 
Smiled oft upon him in his narrow cell. 
To-day we see that visage on the wall, 
Fair with unearthly beauty, touching men 
They know not how or why. A simple soul, 
Men said; yet when he died, all Florence wept. 
Often he painted Christ, the angels oft; 
Yet most he loved to paint one strange, sweet scene— 
That blessed time when the rare whisperings 
Of heavenly voices shall be rare no more; 
When our communion with the saints above 
Shall be no longer like a summer cloud, 
Which, when we fain would fix it, vanisheth 
In thinnest air; but through the pastures green 

120 



OTHER VERSES 

Of Paradise, angels and men shall walk, 

Hand clasped in hand, and Christ, no longer sad, 

Smile as the tender shepherd in the midst. 

Prom such a scene, by such a painter made, 

I stole two figures ('T was a harmless theft, — 

His heart had been the gladder, had he known, 

Who, all his life, loved most of all to give, 

Knowing who first had given) —two figures, dear, 

Caught on firm canvas by a skilful hand, 

And brought them safely over sea to you. 

Pull hearts have ever room, and newest loves, 

If they be true, make but the old more dear. 

Take, then, my gift and grant it, if you will, 

Hearth room and heart room. These two silent guests 

Ask but to dwell in the same room with you. 

They will not speak to you, or, if they do, 

In such low voices you will scarcely hear, 

Like the soft rustling of some summer wind 

Stirring the tree tops in the woods hard by. 

Yet, as the wind which cometh, none knows whence, 

May sooth the hotness of a fevered brow, 

Perchance these strangers, quiet though they be, 

May calm some restless hour, whispering low 

Of things unseen, of heaven not far away. 



121 



OTHER VERSES 



WITH THE GIFT OF A PORTRAIT 

I sought of gifts the gift most rare, 

To give my dear,— 
Pearls of the sea beyond compare, 

Or diamonds clear. 

I found a beating human heart,— 

How large! how free! 
Two tender eyes that loving art 

Had caught for me. 

When that great heart I sought to probe, 

I found it thine; 
The love that lit each shining globe 

For thee did shine. 

That which already owns thy sway 

How can I give? 
Or dare for art a home to pray 

Where love doth live? 
122 



OTHER VERSES 

Yet since, of all the world doth hold, 

Love dearest be, 
These eyes so true, this heart of gold, 

Take thou from me. 

Think not— my picture to thee flown— 

I shall have less. 
That which thy love doth make its own 

I too possess. 



123 



OTHER VERSES 



TO H. A. N. 



WITH A GIFT OF ROSES. 



Dear presence, welcome as the summer breeze, 

Constant, familiar as the sky above, 
Solace in sorrow, minister of ease, 

Be these our messengers to voice our love. 

In the soft fragrance of these blossoms, caught 
For a brief moment, ere their petals fall, 

May'st thou discern what blessings thou hast 
brought 
To us, who taste thy kindness prodigal. 

The roses' petals fall— 't is so decreed,— 
And falling, leave no breath of June behind. 

Thy fallen kindnesses in time of need 
Leave a perennial fragrance in the mind. 



124 



OTHER VERSES 



CONSTANCY 

O wayward love ! whose swiftly changing mood 

My duller spirit oft to vain alarm 

Hath stirred, lest I should lose some older charm 
For joys as yet unproved. As one who stood 
Beside a stream at even, and did brood 

Over its silent deeps, might count as harm 

The breeze that rippled o'er its golden calm 
And broke the stillness of his solitude :— 
Till he was ware that for one sunset lost 

A thousand shining stars instead he had, 
Lamping the self-same current with their 
flame. 
So thou, love ! most dear when changeful most, 

Art still with me; and I, grown wise, am glad 
In other dress to own thee still the same. 



125 



OTHER VERSES 



IN ABSENCE 

Behind yon bank of clouds, the sun is hid ; 
Yet through the mist he reaches down his arm 
To clasp the yearning earth; and she is warm. 
Ere yet the waking day its drooping lid 
Has opened wide, from stalls encanopied 

With leaves a choir unseen with vocal charm 
Makes all the wood alive. Secure from harm 
While on this moss-clad bank full stretched amid 
The trees I lie at ease, that seem to be 
My sentinels, what odours sweet of flowers 
Prom glades invisible, my senses thrall! 
So thou, in absence, love, art still with me, 
And I responsive to thy mystic powers. 
Thou art my sun, my song, my rose, my all ! 



12.6 



OTHER VERSES 



RESERVE 

Placid she seems, as is some mountain lake, 
Whose privacy the sheltering hills do screen 
From the rude wind's affront— a glass serene, 

Wherein the sky doth habitation make; 

Yet hath she deeps by me unfathomed. 
Beside this crystal tide of purity 
How might one stoop and wash and cleansed be 

From the world's stain. To this clear water led, 

How drink of love one's fill and be renewed! 
On the safe bosom of this faith's calm sea, 
How rest in peace through the long night's 
eclipse, 

Or, when the day dawns bright, in thankful mood 
Drift idly by these shores of joy, and see 
New beauties smiling on these eyes and lips. 



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THE WOUNDS OF LOVE 

In playful mood my cleverness to prove 
I mocked at Love, and in his friendly dart 
Sought matter for a jest: yet found her heart, 

Whom thus I thought to merriment to move, 

Untuned to mirth, more ready to reprove 
Than praise, so recent was her smart. 
What can I do to cure the wounded part 

But string again the bow of slighted Love? 

For wounds of Love have balm medicinal 
That robs them of their pain. Strange surgery 
Is theirs. Like leeches' knives, their probe is 
kind ; 
And they who once have felt Love's arrow gall 
Crave naught save thus to bleed eternally. 
I '11 wing my shaft; then shalt thou healing 
find. 



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OTHER VERSES 



ATTAINMENT 



O ye who sit serene upon the heights ! 
Your brows aflame with glories of the sun 
The foothills hide,— tell me, I pray, might one 

Whom common tasks, through the long morning 
bright, 

Kept toiling on the plain, still — ere the night— 
Attempt the venture high, as ye have done, 
Conquer the mountain's perils one by one, 

And share at last your vision's calm delight? 

Yet if this may not be, be this my prize, 

To see some younger climber, whom my word, 
Thrilling with joy of triumphs not for me, 
Won with the dawn to dare the bold emprise, 
And make his own the sights of which he heard, 
Stand victor on the mount of poesy. 



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OTHER VERSES 



LIBERTY 

To sit at life's rich feast, a welcome guest, 
With kindly eye, yet pass without offense — 
Since inly fed— the brimming cup of sense; 
To count all men as friends, yet feel at rest 
But with the pure and true; ever to hear 
Neath joy's glad melody and moan of pain 
The undertone of a celestial strain, 
Low whispering peace within the spirit's ear;— 
To give without reserve; be ever shared 
With all who need; yet ever to withhold 
Within the soul a place of privacy 
To man denied— a sanctuary bared 
To Him alone, who seeth from of old 
The contrite heart:— is not this liberty? 



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RESIGNATION 

Straying one day through the dark wood of care 
In quest of water for my fainting love, 
I spied a pool beneath a hemlock grove 

Still moist with droppings of the tearful air. 

Joyful I garnered up the relics rare, 

And hastened breathless with my treasure trove 
To my dear love. But even as she strove 

To take the cup my trembling fingers bare, 

Tripping I fell, and 'neath the grieved trees 
Empty we saw the broken vessel lie. 
Hand clasped in hand we laid us down to die, 
When sudden to our ears soft murmuring 
Betrayed the presence of a hidden spring. 

Searching, we found, and drank deep draughts of 
peace. 



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EXTENUATION 

If 'neath youth's burning sky too rankly blow 
The passion flower of pride, too reckless blaze 
The morning-glory joy with tangled maze 

Of bloom its truant path where thou must go, 

Shall it not stay thy censure's rising flow 

To think how soon keen winter's nipping days, 
Blasting with icy wind these upstart ways, 

Shall lay in death their fragile pageant low? 

If the swift sap that courses through the veins 
Too wildly throb its short sweet pulse of life, 
Too boldly flaunt its passionate desire 
To reach its utmost height ere night restrains, 
Shall not the nearness of the pruning knife 
So soon must fall, withhold thee from thine ire? 



132 



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INCOMPATIBILITY 

Waiting they stood beneath life's domed fane 

For the great word should seal them man and wife- 
Calm Science grave, and Art, with passion rife, 

Daughter of Hope and sister twin of Pain. 

But when the ancient question rang again, 
" Wilt have this maid for lady of thy life ? " 
" Ay, verily," quoth he, " An she her strife 

Forswear, and wifely own my rightful reign." 

" Nay, first," said she, " show me thy visage bright 
With dancing joy, or stained with sympathy. 

Make thou my wish thy will, and take delight 
In my desire; then will I follow thee." 

He shook his head, and she her pleading ceased. 

To marry Art and Science, who is priest? 



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OTHER VERSES 



THE DESTROYER 

O ruthless Time! that oft with nimble hand 
Hast robbed me of the deed I fain would do, 
How at thy touch, like bubbles children blew, 

Vanish in air the castles I have planned! 

Beneath thy hurrying tread, in parching sand 
Dies young desire, ere it has seen the blue, 
And tender hope, uprooted where it grew, 

Withers away the life which thou hast banned. 

Misshapen births are thine, blind, helpless, dumb; 
Wild protest against wrongs untimely made, 
Enforced decisions, lacking reason's ray 

To guide them to the goal where they would come; 
High sacrifice misspent, for lack of aid 
Thou might'st have lent, hadst thou but learned 
delay. 



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THE HEALER 

And is it thou, dear Time ! most gentle friend ! 

'Gainst whom, in some mad hour of wild unrest 

I uttered such complaint? Most welcome guest! 
That o'er my lonely bedside oft dost bend 
With kindly face, and of thy bounty lend 

Patience and hope! How oft, O surgeon best! 

Hast thou to wounds by other aid unblest 
Brought the skilled touch that made of pain an end! 

Sweet ministry is thine, the sick to heal, 

From darkened eyes the blinding scales to part, 
To make the lame man leap as doth the hart, 

And the dumb lips in grateful song unseal; 
While in the frozen heart thy summoning 
Unlocks the chamber where has slept the spring. 



135 



OTHER VERSES 



THE SCHOLAR 

With brow still shadowed from the caves of night, 
And hands begrimed by delving in the dark, 
He comes, this miner of the soul— a mark 

Of pitying gaze to dwellers in the light. 

No radiant gems he bringeth, to delight 

The wondering eye,— the diamond's crystal pride, 
Or the white pearls that in the ocean hide— 

But dusty coals of fact, for jewels bright, 

Whose fires, long quenched, leave but this frozen 
death. 

" A slave," men say, " who toils for such a meed." 
Yet lay these coals upon the hearth of need, 
And touch them with the prophet's torch of faith, 
And they shall flame, a beacon in the night, 
To guide the ages onward in their flight. 



136 



OTHER VERSES 



THE TEACHER 

Upon the dry brown earth, to him upturned 
In mute expectance of the life to be, 
He casts his seed of truth, this sower free, 

Lavish of treasure, he hath hardly earned; 

Yet deemeth oft his bounty hath been spurned, 
So silent sleeps the field, a waveless sea, 
Waiting the sun of joy, or mystery 

Of sorrow's tears, as gentle rain returned 

To kiss the parched ground, that barren lies, 
Lacking the fruitful moisture of the sky. 
O watch of faith! Till from its patient grave 

The buried life shall break, in glad surprise 
At what it bears, and from its rich supply 
Give strength to nations, and the dying save. 



137 



OTHER VERSES 



GREATHEART 

Rugged he rises as some massive tower 
That guards the ancient Oxford of his love, 
Its base the solid rock. No winds do move, 

No buffets daunt him. Lesser men may cower 

Before the gathering storm clouds when they lower. 
He stands erect until the mists remove, 
And from his vantage seems afar to prove 

The coming day— the type of conscious power. 

\ 

Yet, as upon the battlemented pile 
Nestles the ivy planted long ago, 

That lies upon its breast, and dares to take 
Love's license with its strength; so there do smile 
Within his spirit graces that did grow 

In that dim past which he a friend doth make. 



138 



OTHER VERSES 



AFTER HEARING A SYMPHONY OF 
BEETHOVEN 

Mistress of joy and grief, immortal maid! 
To whose sweet service, lo! these many years 
My stolen hours were lent— not without tears 

That hands untrained gave but unskilful aid— 

High tasks are thine, with rare reward repaid ! 
Rich largess dost thou lavish on thy peers, 
And beyond blessing blest the knight who wears 

Thy cherished favor, awed and unafraid ! 

Not mine the guerdon of this hero strong, 
Thrilling thy touch to feel, or see thy face ! 
Yet in thy courtyard let me linger still, 
Content in menial tasks to do thy will, 
And ever and anon, by thy good grace, 
Catch the faint echoes of thy distant song. 



139 



OTHER VERSES 



A SUMMER AFTERNOON ON SARGENT 

How still thou liest, tiny upland lake 
Where Jordan lays his arm on Sargent's breast, 
To make a shelter for thy slumber blest! 

No errant winds thy bosom restless make, 

Or with ungentle hands thy lilies shake. 
Peaceful thou sleepest, as a bird in nest, 
Until some zephyr, bolder than the rest, 

Drop his soft kiss, and thou at last awake. 

So a dear face, in meditation caught, 

Where friends have wandered from the world 
apart, 
Holds rapt communion with itself awhile, 
Till, in its passing flight, some loving thought, 
Blown gently down, its surface sudden start, 
And lo! it ripples over with a smile. 



140 



OTHER VERSES 



THE FOUNDERS 

Not for to-day they planned, 
But for the better future that should be ! 

Not the near scene they scanned, 
But the far distance faith alone can see ! 

Kingly the reach they spanned, 
Wide as the world, broad as humanity! 

On Hudson's Eastern hill, 
Lordlier site than monarchs fit have deemed, 

Shall rise a citadel, 
Giving firm shape to hopes once vain that seemed, 

Whose silent stones shall tell 
What visions they have seen, what dreams have 
dreamed. 

Here truth her power shall prove, 
Winning new ministers to fan her flame; 

Here the great heart of love 
Reach out in healing touch to sin and shame; 

Till sun and stars remove, 
Free sons here bless the mother whence they came. 
141 



OTHER VERSES 

This let their guerdon be,— 
Not praise of men, or the world's plaudits rare, 

But that their sons shall seer 
In the new home that greets the morning fair, 

Truth, love, and liberty 
In union sweet, their blessed fruitage bear! 



142 



OTHER VERSES 

RESURRECTION 
I 

Where are you, vanished flowers) 

That once upon a day 
Peeped laughing through the bowers 

Of winsome Mistress May, 
Those unf orgotten hours 

I chanced to pass your way? 

My hand was stretched to make you 
My own, my heart inclined; 

And yet I did forsake you, 
Some fleeting joy to find. 

Did truer lover take you? 
Pluck what I left behind? 

Or did your beauty, lading 
With fragrance once the air, 

Droop softly to its fading 
Unwatched by mortal care, 

To meet without evading 

Death's darkness and despair? 
143 



OTHER VERSES 

And live you now in posies 

From seed you dropped in death, 

Borne to some garden's closes 
By zephyr's kindly breath, ' 

To bloom with stately roses 
That never knew your heath? 



My mind, it was a garden 
Where flowers blossomed fair, 

Yet I my heart did harden; 
Unplucked I left them there. 

How can I ever pardon 
The sin beyond compare! 

Where are you, vanished faces. 
For which I now repine? 

Show me the hidden places 
Where now your beauties shine ! 

Have others plucked the graces 
That were, but are not mine? 

144 



OTHER VERSES 

Or did you, sadly shrinking, 

When I, your lover fled, 
Turned from my pleasant thinking 

To join life's battle dread, 
Pall silent, silent sinking 

In dust of thoughts unsaid? 

And live you now in beauties 

That know not whence they sprang? 
In sympathies and duties 

No poet ever sang, 
And love that now the fruit is 

Of dead thought's deathless pang? 



145 



OTHER VERSES 



INDIVIDUALITY 

In pride of youth my soul I did address: 

" Hear, soul," I said, " the thing I ask of thee. 

Give me to drink my fill of happiness." 
But my soul answered, " It is not in me." 

I wandered forth into the haunts of men, 
To join their revel through the fleeting hours. 
"Ye who are glad! give joy!" I cried again. 

"He asks for joy"; they said, "it is not ours." 

Through sunlit glades of forest did I roam 
To where Dame Nature sat upon her throne. 
"To thee, dear Mother! suppliant I come 

For joy." "Nay, joy!" she said, "I do not own." 

Last in my quest I came to heaven's door, 
Through which aflame I saw God's glory shine. 
"Of thy great joy, O God! grant me some store." 
Said God: "The gift thou askest is not mine." 
146 



OTHER VERSES 

" Nay, Lord/' I cried, " since thou, of all who give 
The sovereign, my pittance dost deny, 
Why should I seek in heaviness to live? 
Grant to thy joyless child, I pray, to die." 

And the Lord answered, " Child, it may not be. 

Joy may depart; the lonely heart may bleed,— 
Still my sad world cries out for ministry. 

Walk thou abroad and hear their plaint who need." 

Submissive to the word, I turned me back 
Unto the scenes from which so late I fled, 

To hear the cry of all that suffered lack, 
And feel the anguished throb of hearts that bled. 

The errant breeze sighed plaintive in my ear; 

The drooping flowers hung their heads in pain. 
"Thy downcast face hath robbed us of our cheer. 
Smile thou on us, that we be fair again." 

"Ah foolish ones!" I cried, "and will ye dare 
To ask that gift of me which God denies? 
Ask my Lord Sun." Yet still they made their prayer, 
" Nay, if thou be not glad, our beauty dies." 
147 



OTHER VERSES 

Upon a bed one lay and tossed in pain. 
"A song! a song!" he cried, "that I forget." 
" Thou asketh that which I have sought in vain. 
Seek music where bright joy may still be met." 

" Nay, if thou sing not, all my world is dumb," 
He said in grief, and turned him to the wall. 

u Joy through the joyful heart alone doth come ; 
The tuned ear finds melody in all." 

I bowed my knee within the house of prayer, 
In deep contrition basing all my pride, 

When lo! I heard God speak within my ear, 
" Grant me thy love, that I be satisfied." 

"And is thy need so great, O Lord! " I cried, 

" That with the world thine own, thou still dost 
pine? 
Thou who hast sun and stars, dost ask beside 
The homage of this broken heart of mine? 

Nay, then, if need so far doth reach his hand 
That the great God hath hunger in his heart, 

Why should I seek in lonely joy to stand? 
Let me at least in sorrow have a part." 
148 



OTHER VERSES 

All day I labored in the world of God, 
Attentive to its cries of want and pain, 

Content to minister to child or clod, 
And when night fell, turned to my soul again. 

Timid I stood without the darkened home, 

Prom whose bare chambers once I turned in pride, 

Fearful to knock: when lo! a voice cried, "Come! 
The feast is spread my bounty doth provide." 

" Who art thou, friend," I said, " I pray thee, tell, 
Who thus dost come my lonely heart to bless? 
Hast thou no brighter house wherein to dwell?" 
And the voice answered, " I am happiness." 



149 



OTHER VERSES 



A PARENT'S PRAYER 

Out of the darkness of the night they came, 
These lives that seem eternally our own, 
Bringing what wealth from treasuries unknown 

To homage of our thankful love to claim. 

Into the darkness when they shall return, 
The silent night that yields no answer clear, 
Be it with treasures they have gathered here 

The gratitude of hearts unseen to earn. 



150 



OTHER VERSES 



A THANKSGIVING HYMN 

For all Thy gifts, O Lord of love! 

Our praise to Thee this day we bring. 
Do Thou within our spirits move, 

And teach us from our hearts to sing 

Our hymn of gratitude. 

For the dear Christ, we bless Thee, Lord, 

Our Brother, Master, Saviour, Guide, 
In whom Thy searching, healing word 

Finds human voice to bend our pride 
And calm our restless mood; 

For all the saints, who in the school 

Of love have learned the healing art, 
And passed to us Thy golden rule 
In the wise language of the heart, 
Whose words are ministry: 
But most we bless Thee that Thy grace 
Permits us, too, Thy task to share,— 
That we, who cannot see Christ's face, 
Yet by His side the cross may bear 
In great humility. 
151 



OTHER VERSES 

O Thou! who from the darkened skies 

Dost cause Thy sun to break again! 
Grant us to see in saddened eyes, 

With sin o'ercast or dimmed with pain, 
Thy light of peace and love. 
Then as the grateful earth to heaven 

Her wealth of moisture doth restore, 
So shall the joy Thyself hast given 

As messenger return once more 
To bear our praise above. 



152 



OTHER VERSES 



A PRAYER FOR GOD'S PRESENCE 

Afar I sought Thee in the radiant sky ; 

But thou art near. 
In every breeze that sings its lullaby 

Thy voice I hear. 

Afar I sought Thee in heroic deed 

Still to be done ; 
But Thou dost speak in every brother's need 

Beneath the sun. 

So let me feel Thy presence day by day 

In wind and sod, 
That every bush I meet upon my way 

Shall glow with God. 

So let Thy spirit kindle my desire 

Self to deny, 
That every common deed shall flame with fire, 

As doth Thy sky. 



153 



OTHER VERSES 

A PRAYER FOR PEACE 

Keep me quiet, Master, 
Patient day by day. 

When I would go faster 
Teach me thy delay. 

Restless, oft I borrow 
Prom the future care. 

Teach me that to-morrow 
Shall its burden bear. 

From thy full provision 

Daily richly fed, 
By thy clearer vision 

Ever safely led, 

Let me to my brothers 
Turn a face serene, 

Sharing thus with others 
What thy gift hath been. 



154 



OTHER VERSES 



EVENSONG 

Patience, my soul! 
A truce to all thy hasting. 
Tis time for rest. 
Pleasant the bowl 
Invites thee to its tasting; 
But sleep is best. 

If thou but cease, 
The morn of high endeavor 

Pull soon shall break. 
Sleep now in peace! 
For joy shall greet thee ever,— 
When thou awake. 



155 



AUG 16 1906 



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